Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has requested that President Bola Tinubu order Minister of Works Senator David Umahi to step down from his post. This suspension is intended to allow for an impartial investigation into the passing of Mary Habila, who died at the minister’s home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Sharing his thoughts on Facebook, Atiku emphasized that the current handling of the case lacks the necessary clarity. Habila, a 26-year-old from Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, 2026. Atiku noted that while he offers his sympathies to the mourning family, the government must move beyond condolences to uncover the actual facts.
The former vice-president raised concerns that no autopsy has been performed and that the police inquiry remains local to Ebonyi State, where Umahi previously served as governor. He stated that for the sake of public trust, the investigation must be moved to Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts. Atiku clarified that he is not accusing anyone of wrongdoing but believes that a neutral inquiry is essential for democratic accountability. Furthermore, he requested that the victim’s family be shielded from any intimidation and that the eventual autopsy findings be shared with the public.
Previously, Minister Umahi had asked police to perform a thorough forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death and requested that the remains remain held until the process is complete.
